Pelosi Addresses Biden Rift, Defends Role in 2024 Exit Amid Democratic Reckoning

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recently addressed the growing tension between herself and the Biden family, following President Joe Biden’s historic decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Speaking publicly on the matter, Pelosi acknowledged that she has yet to speak directly with either President Biden or former First Lady Jill Biden since his exit from the race last July.

Biden’s withdrawal followed weeks of internal Democratic pressure, intensified after a widely criticized debate performance against now-President Donald Trump. Pelosi, considered one of the most influential voices within the Democratic Party, was viewed as playing a key role in encouraging Biden to step aside—a move some believe preserved down-ballot momentum for the party but fractured long-held political alliances.

In an appearance on MSNBC, host Andrea Mitchell pressed Pelosi on whether she had regrets, especially in light of public comments from Jill Biden expressing disappointment over the handling of the situation.

“We were friends for 50 years. It was disappointing,” the former First Lady told The Washington Post in January, alluding to Pelosi’s involvement in the Democratic push to shift away from Biden as the party’s nominee.

When asked whether the relationship could be mended, Pelosi offered a diplomatic but uncertain response.

“I certainly hope so,” she said. “No, I haven’t spoken to Jill Biden. But the fact is that we’re all on a mission—for the American people, for America’s working families.”

Pelosi went on to defend her position, emphasizing that her decisions were guided by what she saw as the party’s broader mission and moral obligation to protect the country from another Trump presidency.

“My passion in politics is always about the future, about the children,” Pelosi said. “Sometimes, like in a marriage, you stay together for the children. I thought it was vital that Donald Trump not return to the White House, and I would take every step necessary to prevent that. But it happened. So now, we must deal with that reality.”

Pelosi further argued that the Democratic Party had not suffered the defeat many expected. “People say, ‘Oh, Democrats lost,’ but no—we actually gained a seat in the House,” she stated. “With President Biden on the ticket, it might have played out differently.”

Despite the Biden family’s disappointment, Pelosi remains optimistic about the party’s prospects heading into 2026. “In about six or seven months, you’re going to see a very different picture,” she predicted. “As we launch our campaigns this fall, public sentiment will shift significantly, particularly in contrast with Trump.”

Still, Democrats face strong headwinds as Trump’s post-election approval rating continues to rise. According to a recent Napolitan News/RMG Research poll, 55% of registered voters now approve of Trump’s job performance, with 43% disapproving. The survey was conducted among 3,000 registered voters between February 10 and 14 and reported a margin of error of 1.8%.

A separate national poll released days later showed Trump’s approval rating at 48%, suggesting public opinion remains fluid but generally favorable toward the former president’s leadership since returning to office.

As the political environment evolves, another shift is taking place beyond electoral politics. Major American corporations are beginning to reevaluate their positions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives—a trend that accelerated following executive action from President Trump.

In a sweeping move last month, Trump signed an executive order dismantling federal DEI programs, removing related positions from government agencies, and banning DEI mandates among federal contractors. While some corporations had already begun scaling back these initiatives before Trump returned to office, many are now publicly retreating from DEI frameworks, either to align with federal policy or to avoid controversy.

According to reporting by The Center Square, several companies are reducing their visibility on DEI efforts, even if substantial internal reforms have yet to materialize. The move marks a symbolic shift in corporate America’s approach to social equity issues, with many executives citing growing concerns about public backlash, legal challenges, and changing political winds.

Pelosi, when asked about the broader cultural and political changes under Trump’s second term, remained focused on rallying Democrats for the upcoming midterms. “We have work to do. And we’re going to stay united for the American people,” she said.

As the Democratic Party continues its post-2024 reckoning, leaders like Pelosi are walking a delicate line—balancing political strategy, party unity, and the emotional fallout of decisions that reshaped a presidential race and altered long-standing relationships at the highest levels of power.